Soft No Knead Dinner Rolls

These Soft No Knead Dinner Rolls are the kind of warm, fluffy bread I love having on the table—especially when I want homemade comfort without a lot of work. I skip the mixer and the kneading entirely, and still end up with perfectly golden, pillowy rolls that melt in my mouth. They’re ideal for holidays, weeknight dinners, or whenever I need something cozy to go with a meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how easy this dough is—no kneading, no special tools, and just one bowl. I mix the ingredients, let it rise, shape it, and bake. That’s it. The result is soft, buttery rolls with a light texture and tender crumb. They freeze beautifully and go with everything from soups to roasts to breakfast jam.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• All-purpose flour

• Instant yeast (or active dry yeast, with slight adjustments)

• Sugar

• Salt

• Milk (warm)

• Water (warm)

• Butter (melted, plus extra for brushing)

• Egg (for richness and color)

Directions

1. In a large bowl, I whisk together the warm water, warm milk, sugar, and yeast. I let it sit for about 5–10 minutes if using active dry yeast, until foamy.

2. I add the egg, melted butter, salt, and flour, and stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until a sticky dough forms.

3. I cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 2 hours, until doubled in size.

4. Once risen, I grease my hands and divide the dough into equal portions (usually 12 rolls). I shape them gently into balls and place them in a greased baking dish.

5. I cover the rolls and let them rise again for 30–40 minutes, until puffy.

6. I preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). I brush the tops with melted butter and bake for 18–22 minutes, or until golden brown.

7. I brush them again with butter right out of the oven for a soft, shiny finish.

this Recipe

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 12 soft dinner rolls. It takes about 15 minutes to prep, plus 1.5 to 2 hours for rising and 20 minutes for baking. In total, I usually plan for about 2.5 hours from start to finish.

Variations

Sometimes I swap some of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier version. I’ve added herbs like rosemary or garlic powder to the dough for extra flavor. If I want a slightly sweeter roll, I add a bit more sugar or use honey instead. I’ve even stuffed them with cheese or cooked sausage for a savory twist.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, I wrap them in foil and warm them in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes, or microwave for 10–15 seconds. They also freeze well—I just wrap them tightly and freeze for up to 2 months, then reheat straight from frozen.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, I often mix the dough the night before, let it rise in the fridge, and bring it to room temperature before shaping and baking the next day.

What if I don’t have instant yeast?

I use active dry yeast instead, but I make sure to activate it in warm liquid (water/milk and sugar) and let it sit until foamy before mixing in the rest of the ingredients.

Can I use plant-based milk?

Absolutely. I’ve made these with almond milk and oat milk, and they turn out just as soft and delicious.

Why are my rolls dense?

That usually happens if the dough didn’t rise long enough or if I added too much flour. I keep the dough slightly sticky for the best texture.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, I double the ingredients and use a larger baking dish or two pans. The rolls still come out soft and evenly baked.

Conclusion

These Soft No Knead Dinner Rolls are everything I want in a homemade bread—simple to make, light, fluffy, and irresistibly buttery. Whether I’m serving them at a holiday meal or just enjoying one warm from the oven with a pat of butter, they always bring that homemade touch that makes any meal feel special.

Soft No Knead Dinner Rolls

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• Author: Linda
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 2.5 hours
• Yield: 12 rolls
• Category: Bread
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Soft No Knead Dinner Rolls are fluffy, buttery, and incredibly easy to make with no kneading required. Perfect for holidays, family dinners, or anytime you crave warm, homemade bread.

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Ingredients

• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 1/4 tsp instant yeast (or active dry yeast, proofed)
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup warm milk
• 1/2 cup warm water
• 1/4 cup melted butter (plus more for brushing)
• 1 large egg

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Instructions

1. In a large bowl, whisk together warm water, warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit 5–10 minutes if using active dry yeast, until foamy.
2. Add egg, melted butter, salt, and flour. Stir with a spoon until a sticky dough forms.
3. Cover the bowl and let dough rise in a warm place for 1–2 hours, until doubled in size.
4. Grease hands and divide dough into 12 equal portions. Shape into balls and place in a greased baking dish.
5. Cover and let rise again for 30–40 minutes, until puffy.
6. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush rolls with melted butter.
7. Bake for 18–22 minutes, until golden brown.
8. Brush tops with more butter immediately after baking for a soft, shiny finish.

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Notes

• Substitute part of the flour with whole wheat for a heartier roll.
• Add herbs or garlic powder for extra flavor.
• Use honey instead of sugar for a touch of sweetness.
• Stuff with cheese or sausage for a savory variation.
• Freeze baked rolls for up to 2 months; reheat directly from frozen.

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Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 roll
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 220mg
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 27g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 25mg